Tributes flow to Newtonmore's British Empire Medal holder
As the Strathy reported this morning, Rob Ritchie of Newtonmore is to receive the British Empire Medal after his inclusion in the Queen's delayed Birthday Honours.
At 78, he was "delighted " to be able to share the news that – as long ago as May – he had been asked by Her Majesty's government if he would accept an award for his many years of selfless service to his community.
"I did accept and I was grateful to do so," he said, "but, oh, it was all top secret and it had to say that way. I was very happy because I have always been a royalist by nature, and it was interesting to hear that one of the people supporting my nomination was good friend Grant Frazer, who is such a campaigner for Scotland's independence. But this award if not political, it's purely about local service and I know that he was happy to support me – especially in the name of the village.
"But I want all the kind people who put me forward for this award to know that I am very, very grateful to them and I will be thanking them all."
As for when 'Big Rob' will actually receive his award is anyone's guess and he certainly couldn't say when the Strathy spoke to him.
Already months late in the announcing because of the coronavirus pandemic, it is not known when the Lord Lieutenant will be handing over the accolade in person.
"Apparently they hold a garden party," said Mr Ritchie, "but I've no idea when that might happen."
He is in good company in the strath. For a year now three fellow BEM holders – Dave Craig, also Newtonmore, John Robertson of Kingussie and Yvonne Birnie of Aviemore – have been waiting for their Covid-delayed presentations.
For now, Robert Graham Ritchie is receiving the accolades of his peers in and around Badenoch.
Here is just a sample.
Roy Alexander: Rob in his own quiet way gives his life to our community day by day, working effortlessly for the benefit of others voluntarily, as well as carrying out gardening related activity at little cost – chieftain of Newtonmore Shinty Club, chairman of Newtonore and Vicinity Community Council, a 'heavy' athlete in the Highland Games across the North, he has done a massive amount of working helping to set up Newtonmore Highland Games and coached some locals along with demonstating those skills in the folk park. He is a trustee of the Isobel Parker Charitable Fund which has been in operation for over 30 years. Rob has generally made himself available to the community whenever the need has arisen. It is occasionally said 'What will happen when Rob is not around to do all these things?' and that is a reflection of how important he has been to our community.
Rev Catherine Buchan: Not everyone knows what Rob does for individuals in need. When I visit those who are sick and bereaved I hear that Rob is giving his time in tending gardens that might otherwise be neglected, or in doing unasked DIY tasks which too onerous for those he is helping. He does this without making a fuss and without drawing attention to himself. For years now he has taken on these voluntary and unpaid jobs, which means the time that he has to give to paid employment (he is self-employed as a handyman) has been limited. Rob would never think that what he does is in any way remarkable and being a humble man would be surprised at the regard in which his neighbours hold him.
Donald Forrest: Although he is involved in other organisations which he keep him busy, we always get 100 percent from Rob at the Newtonmore Highland Games.
Jo Frazer: Although in advancing years Rob has never said 'No' to anyone who has asked his help.
Dave Fallows: From time to time, in every community, there are individual people who give years of their lives to the service of their home town or village. They become the symbolic heartbeat at the centre of community life. Such is the giant of a man, in every sense of the word, that is Robert Graham Ritchie - ‘Big Rob’ - of Newtonmore.
Dave Fallows: There can be no-one more deserving of this honour than Rob and receipt of the BEM reflects not just how much Rob is at the heart of things, but, in these dark times where the sporting life-blood of the village has been suspended in limbo by Covid-19, is also a credit to the importance of Shinty here in the ‘drowned lands’.
Drew Hendry MP: A number of serving and former local community councillors have written to me about the work of Rob, explaining that litter picking, the local Christmas tree and general tidying up around Newtonmore are all led by, and carried out by, Rob. They have raised the tireless work Rob undertakes within Newtonmore, from fitting porch lights and clearing snow, working for decades to help break barriers such as loneliness, makingn sure always to include all the residents of Newtonmore in village life.
See Thursday's Strathy for more to and from Rob Ritchie.
